2003: #17-Matt Kenseth has 2848 points, 234 ahead of 2nd in the standings, #24-Jeff Gordon 2002: #40-Sterling Marlin had 2604 points, 227 ahead of 7th place in the standings, #20-Tony Stewart, who won the Cup so there still is a chance with 17 races to go. Here are some Facts: Marlin lost the points lead at the Sept NH race, race #27, got hurt in race #29 at Kansas, Stewart passed him {3rd – Marlin 4th] in race #28 at Dover. Marlin was falling before he got hurt.(7-23-2003)
